VIDEO: Local Food Drive Sets Donation Record

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Last week’s holiday isn’t the only time of the year to give thanks.

Today, November 28, is what’s known around the country as “Giving Tuesday.”

Food pantries from the Golden Triangle area give back to those in need.

This is the 3rd annual ‘United We Feed’ food drive in Oktibbeha, Webster, Winston, and Choctaw counties, and after this year another record is in the books.

“This is not a charity; it’s neighbors helping neighbors. What a tremendous example of this,” said United Way worker Candy Crencink.

In the 3 years North Central Mississippi’s United Way has partnered with local Kiwanis clubs and other organizations, the donations have been filling warehouses and hungry residents.

“The first year might’ve been around 5 tons and then last year around 7 to 8 tons,” said volunteer, Richard Switzer.

That’s enough food to last Oktibbeha County’s pantries and kitchens until March.

Last year, another goal was set.

“We figured if we could get 10 tons, hopefully we could get them through May,” said Crecink.

Over the last three weeks, the community accepted the challenge.

“We collected approximately ten tons of food,” confirmed Switzer.

This filled the warehouse at Starkville Community Church.

Workers and volunteers were overwhelmed with the outpouring of generosity.

“It’s what’s wonderful about these communities here; everyone is concerned about their neighbors. We are like the messengers. We are the ones being able to reach out and say ‘here you go’ and ‘what more can we do,'” said Crecink.

“Our goal is to improve the world one child and one community at a time, and one of the ways to do that is to be sure that children and families have enough food to eat,” continued Switzer.

Pantries restocked their shelves for needy families in the area, and food drive organizers already have their eyes on the next goal.

“If we did this this year, watch what we can do next year,” said Crecink.

Food pantries will continue to collect food from the Starkville Community Church’s warehouse until Thursday.